Staff Devotion: Psalm 1

Intro

The life of a ministry worker is one that is often seen on the outside as “put together,” “easy,” and even “without trouble.”

We know this is not true. We know that we have problems and issues that persist. We know that life is not always easy. And we surely know that life is not without trouble.

Although we know this, we also know that when life does throw us a curve ball, the only way that we can make it through those moments is by clinging to God.

This is how Psalm 1 reads.

Psalm 1 “Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Reach for a Life Pleasing to God

The only way through the hardships in life is to continually reach for a life that is pleasing to God!

Ministry can be hard! Traveling on the road all the time is tough!

But, we know that we are called to something great, something more. And part of that call is to trust in God’s word when it says to do things like “Walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.”

Sounds simple enough! Right?

But, as Christ followers living in a fallen world, I wonder, is it always really that simple?

As the flesh and the enemy reach for our hearts every day, if we are not actively meditating on God’s law day and night, then we will never be able to be strong and grounded like a tree planted by rivers of water.

As you travel to churches, talk to individuals, gas up your cars, preach, sing, go to the bank, do your clerical work, be careful not to become complacent in the work of the Lord.

Rather, every day, every mile, reach for a life that is pleasing to God.

When you do, though the wheels of the Grand Caravan, or Explorer, or Ram 1500 roll on, your faith shall be grounded. You will be firmly set in the gospel of Truth.

You will be prosperous in this life and at eternal bliss in the next when you do. Your leaf will not whiter. Your strength will not fail.

Don’t be the Chaff

When farmers would harvest their grain, they would find a good wind, throw the grain into the air, and watch the dried shell, the chaff, float away into the wind.

Chaff is not valuable, chaff is forgotten.

Don’t be the chaff, be the grain.

Be the part of the fruit that is able to be used by God!

Remember, too, that although you do important work, you are not more important than the work itself! The work that God has called you to is valuable, in every season of your life, the work is lasting, the worker vanishes.

As you stand on stage, lights in your face, people applauding your work, it can be easy to bask and glory in your words, your speech, your sermon, your singing.

Those things will be driven away. This is the chaff.

Don’t be driven away. Don’t be the chaff.

God has called you to more!

Remain planted, firmly, by streams of God’s word. Listen to good preaching. Listen to good music. Read the Good Word!

Conclusion

The life of a ministry worker is one that is often seen on the outside as “put together,” “easy,” and even “without trouble.”

We know this is not true. We know that we have problems and issues that persist. We know that life is not always easy. And we surely know that life is not without trouble.

Although we know this, we also know that when life does throw us a curve ball, the only way that we can make it through those moments is by clinging to God.

Cling to God. Be good grain. Produce good fruit! Don’t be driven away as the chaff. Your work is too important!

Keep up the good work team!

Psalm 1 “Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish.”